in the high Sierras so that our water managers can better deliver water more efficiently, more effectively,” she said. She also pointed to Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) as one example of how improved forecasting could help guide when and how water is released from reservoirs, adding that expediting environmental permitting would allow the state to take better care of its water resources in a more timely way. Paul also sees opportunities beyond traditional surface storage. She explained how water districts are exploring groundwater recharge, recycled water projects and urban-ag partnerships, efforts she said are reflected in the state’s work toward SB 72 and its goal of identifying an additional 9 million acre-feet of new water supplies. “I’m hopeful that focus on leveraging better data and technology to prioritize identifying new water supplies will survive the change in administration,” she said. “We need California’s top office to prioritize improving our water situation.” Agriculture is Part of the Water Solution For CFWC, policy debates are also communications challenges: how to help people see the connection between water decisions, food production and rural economies. Much of CFWC’s work, Paul said, centers on helping policymakers and the public better understand what water means beyond the farm gate. The coalition uses media outreach, editorials, letters to the editor and interviews with non-industry publications to communicate the realities growers face, while also bringing media and influencers to farms to see issues firsthand.
“We’re really an educational organization,” Paul said. “The more aware people are of the significance of these issues, the better.” That education is particularly important when it comes to public perceptions of agricultural water use. “I think there’s a real disconnect with policymakers and voters, that water stays on the farm. Water doesn’t stay on the farm—it leaves the farm in the form of the product that goes to market,” Paul said. “All food takes water to grow. The question is where and how it’s grown.” Looking ahead, Paul said California’s water policy needs to become faster, more transparent and more integrated. Decisions need to account for how policies affect agriculture, communities and the environment rather than addressing individual issues in isolation. “There is a tendency to approach water supplies in a very siloed manner,” she said. “That’s not a long-term solution.” Despite the challenges, Paul sees an opportunity to move toward more practical water solutions, particularly through new water supplies, improved technology and groundwater recharge. She noted that agricultural lands make up approximately 70 percent of groundwater recharge lands south of the Delta, another indication that agriculture can play an important role in addressing the state’s water challenges. Ultimately, she said, communicating that role to the public will be critical. “We’ve got to get out there and share success stories,” Paul said. “We need to share our story with the public because they are the ones who elect the policymakers. We need to help them understand that we’re part of the solution, not the problem.”
So Close You Can Almost Smell It The next generation of long-day red onions is coming soon to a field near you. Here’s what you can expect: Modern genetics to better withstand disease and environmental pressures Premium bulb quality with consistent size, shape and color Good storability and marketing flexibility
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40 Western Grower & Shipper | www.wga.com October – December 2026
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